Legislative assembly of nunavut

Oral Questions

Question 559 – 3(3): Probation Services in Nunavut (Rumbolt) 132

Question 560 – 3(3): Crime Prevention in Nunavut (Aupaluktuq) 134

Question 561 – 3(3): Process for Incorporation of Inuit Societal Values in Government of Nunavut Decision-Making (Tapardjuk) 136

Question 562 – 3(3): Search and Rescue in Nunavut (Oshutapik) 138

Question 563 – 3(3): Support for Small Business (Ningark) 140

Question 564 – 3(3): Cape Dorset Health Centre Replacement (Schell) 142

Question 565 – 3(3): Article 24 of NLCA Binding on QEC (Curley) 144

Question 566 – 3(3): Environmental Protection in the High Arctic (Elliott) 145

Question 567 – 3(3): Standardized Inuit Language Terminology for Names of Departments (Tapardjuk) 147

E.

Returns to Written Questions

Return to Written Question 026 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut Responses to Resolutions Adopted at the 2012 Annual General Meeting of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities (Aariak) 149

Return to Written Question 023 – 3(3): Annual Fuel Purchases by the Government of Nunavut (Kusugak) 149

F.

Petitions

Petition 004 – 3(3): Public Housing Rent Scale (Ningeongan) 149

G.

Tabling of Documents

Tabled Document 327 – 3(3): Report on Symposium in Northern and Remote Canada, September 19-20, 2012 in Whitehorse, Yukon (Shewchuk) 150

Tabled Document 328 – 3(3): Correspondence from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq Concerning Social Insurance Numbers (Elliott) 150

Tabled Document 329 – 3(3): Photographs of Jet A-1 Fuel Drums in Grise Fiord (Elliott) 150

Tabled Document 330 – 3(3): Public Service Annual Report for 2011-2012 (Ell) 150

Tabled Document 331 – 3(3): Towards a Representative Public Service Statistics as of September 30, 2012 (Ell) 150

Tabled Document 332 – 3(3): Précis of Proceedings of the Inuit Elders’ Summit on Arctic Sovereignty (Curley) 151

Tabled Document 333 – 3(3): Speech for the 16th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Curley) 151

Tabled Document 334 – 3(3): Office of the Fire Marshal’s 2012 Annual Report (Kusugak) 151

Tabled Document 335 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut’s Response to the 2011-2012 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (Aariak) 151

H.

Bills

Bill 50 – An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act – Notice 151

Bill 50 – An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act – First Reading 152

Bill 50 – An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act – Second Reading 152

Bill 49 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2013-2014 – Finance – Consideration in Committee 153

Bill 49 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2013-2014 – Economic Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee 181

Iqaluit, Nunavut

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Members Present:

Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable James Arreak, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, Mr. Tagak Curley, Honourable Monica Ell, Mr. Ron Elliott, Mr. Joe Enook, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. John Ningark, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Hezakiah Oshutapik, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Peter Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk.

>>House commenced at 13:30
Item 1: Opening Prayer
Speaker (Hon. Hunter Tootoo): Qujannamiik, Sergeant-at-Arms. Before we proceed with today’s sitting, I would like to ask Mr. Ningeongan to lead us off in a prayer, please.
>>Prayer
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. (interpretation ends) We will move on in our orders of the day. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Minister responsible for Economic Development and Transportation, Minister Taptuna.
Item 2: Ministers’ Statements
Minister’s Statement 258 – 3(3): Update, Nunavut Carving Stone Deposit Evaluation Program (Taptuna)

Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues, Nunavummiut, and Kuglukturmiut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Nunavut Carving Stone Deposit Evaluation Program and to provide some highlights from the first three years of this four-year project.
Mr. Speaker, carving stone is culturally and economically important for Nunavut’s arts sector, and this work is crucial to ensuring a reliable supply of this resource.
Our government geologists have worked in cooperation with Nunavut carvers to identify and evaluate carving stone occurrences brought forward by local carvers or that were revealed in past geological studies. These sites are evaluated for their accessibility and for the quantity and quality of the stone.
As of December, all 25 communities in Nunavut have been consulted. Field visits have been conducted in the Kivalliq and the Qikiqtaaluk regions. The five communities of the Kitikmeot plus Sanikiluaq will have field evaluation programs next summer.
To date, the program has identified significant carving stone resources in the Kivalliq region near Baker Lake, Coral Harbour, Rankin Inlet, and Repulse Bay. In the Qikiqtaaluk region, new resources are accessible to Arctic Bay, Cape Dorset, Clyde River, Hall Beach, Igloolik, Kimmirut, Pangnirtung, and Pond Inlet.
A previously unknown major deposit on the Hall Peninsula was discovered through the Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office mapping work and will be further evaluated this summer. This deposit is close to Iqaluit and could prove to be an important source of stone for the local carving community.

Since the program began, the number of significant deposits of carving stone resources has doubled to 18 major exploitable sites. Knowing where the deposits lie is just the beginning. We will work with our partners in the regions to find ways to make these resources available to everyone who earns their livelihood by carving. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

>>Applause
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Minister responsible for Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Madam Premier.
Minister’s Statement 259 – 3(3): GN Partnership with Nunavut Tunngavik (Aariak)
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. 2013 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. It is a time to celebrate our achievements as well as the important relationship between the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik in building a better future for our people.
From the time Nunavut was created, we have worked in partnership with NTI, most recently through the Aajiiqatigiinniq agreement. I look forward to continuing my collaboration with Cathy Towtongie on the priorities we share and would like to congratulate her on her re-election.
NTI promotes building Inuit values into a stronger education system. In the latest Report on the State of Inuit Culture and Society, NTI offers new ideas that will inform debate on our Nunavut Education Act (interpretation ends) if and when the Legislative Assembly directs the statutory review of the provisions and operation of the Act.
(interpretation) Nunavut Tunngavik is also our partner in building Nunavut and reclaiming our self-reliance. The signing of our land claims in 1993 and the creation of the territory and its government in 1999 marked the first and second stages of this effort. A third chapter is only just beginning as Nunavut Tunngavik joins us at the table in negotiating devolution.
At the same time, in the implementation of Article 32 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, (interpretation ends) we are looking for NTI to participate in the development of social and cultural policies and programs. On matters such as housing, for instance, we agree with NTI that creative solutions are needed to end Nunavut’s housing shortage.
Mr. Speaker, as we look forward to the next 20 years, the partnership between government and NTI will be as important as ever as we face the challenges of building our economy to meet the needs of a growing population. It is through our collaboration that the dream of Nunavut will be fulfilled. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
>>Applause
Speaker: Thank you, Madam Premier. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Minister responsible for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, Minister Taptuna.

Minister’s Statement 260 – 3(3): Baffinland Iron Mine Corporation’s Mary River Project Update (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to provide members with an update on the status of the Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation’s Mary River Iron Ore Project.
Since 2009, the Government of Nunavut has been actively working with the Nunavut Impact Review Board, Baffinland, our communities, and other stakeholders to develop a Mary River project that will provide economic opportunities while, at the same time, minimizing negative impacts on the environment.
As we all know, the project has been given the green light. The Nunavut Impact Review Board has issued a project certificate that reflects many of the recommendations made by the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, more recently, Baffinland requested to amend the project certificate to allow for a phased-in approach which would mean deferring a railway and a port at Steensby Inlet and implementing, and I quote, “early revenue phase,” which would see iron ore hauled to Milne Inlet by road and shipped out in the open-water season. This will mean amending the project’s final environmental impact statement and returning to the environmental review process.
The Government of Nunavut understands that mining companies operate in a complex and often unpredictable economic environment. At the same time, we believe that the stability of this project will contribute to sustained economic growth in our territory. We fully commit to participation in the next steps of the Mary River project and we will continue to provide our expertise throughout the review process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
>>Applause
Speaker: Thank you, Minister Taptuna. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements. Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Item 3: Members’ Statements
Member’s Statement 431 – 3(3): Baker Lake Interagency Group (Aupaluktuq)

Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about the important work that is being done by Baker Lake’s Interagency Group.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Baker Lake Interagency Group held its first meeting of the year in early January.
The Baker Lake Interagency Group brings together frontline workers and representatives of many organizations that are active in making the community a better place for all of its residents.
Social workers, educators, RCMP officers, community justice staff, mental health workers, municipal representatives, and others participate in this group.
Mr. Speaker, the Baker Lake Interagency Group is working hard to fulfill its mission statement, objective, and goals. These include promoting the wellbeing of Baker Lake, achieving awareness of issues facing the community and promoting healthy families.
Mr. Speaker, the Baker Lake Interagency Group is taking a holistic approach to its work and I look forward to seeing its membership expand over the months to come.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating the Baker Lake Interagency Group for an excellent start to 2013. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
>>Applause
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Amittuq, Mr. Tapardjuk.
Member’s Statement 432 – 3(3): Incorporation of Inuit Societal Values into Institutional Structures (Tapardjuk)
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Good afternoon to the residents of Igloolik and Hall Beach. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to again reflect on the philosophical and practical challenges of incorporating Inuit societal values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into institutional decision-making.
Mr. Speaker, when Nunavut came into existence on April 1, 1999, it is fair to say that there were great expectations for change. As the Premier mentioned, after almost two decades of difficult negotiations and decisions, Inuit were hopeful that the settlement of their land claim and the establishment of a new political jurisdiction would foster an institutional and political environment in which the path to greater self-determination could be followed.
Mr. Speaker, we are fast approaching Nunavut’s fifteenth anniversary. I believe that it is also fair to say that many Inuit, especially elders, feel a growing sense of frustration, given that they see few of their values reflected in the government’s policies and services.
Mr. Speaker, the erosion of our culture and language is a phenomenon that we face every day.
Although, for example, we need to realize as Inuit we are included in the global village, but we cannot sit idly by and allow our distinctiveness to disappear.
Mr. Speaker, I am seeking unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please proceed, Mr. Tapardjuk.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my fellow MLAs for allowing me to continue.
Mr. Speaker, the magnitude of the challenge of how to effectively incorporate Inuit societal values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into institutional decision making is one that cannot be underestimated
To a significant extent Inuit, Inuit societal values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit are intuitive concepts that do not lend themselves to the style of decision making that characterize Euro-Canadian organizational structures and bureaucratic cultures.
Mr. Speaker, the part of the Inuit societal values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit are simply another set of largely meaningless acronyms just to ensure that the government is doing a good job.
When they shorten the IQ and ISV they become meaningless. The fact that the terms “ISV” and “IQ” appear in government documents does not mean that their essence is actually reflected in which way Inuit interact with the state.
Mr. Speaker, we cannot risk allowing Inuit societal values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit to become assimilative constructs that are used to disguise the fact that many Inuit are not seeing themselves reflected in their own government. Even though they are referring to IQ values and yet it is not being followed.
For example, as Inuit that was not our expectation and the fact that the government is using it as a disguise. Inuit are not seeing themselves reflected in their own government through government documents.
Mr. Speaker, as we all know I have sat on both sides of the House as a Member of Cabinet and as an ordinary member. I believe I have some insight 99 which Inuit societal values are being integrated into government values.
I believe that as we elected legislatures we should give clear direction to the institutions of public administration as to how it would be a better way to operate the government, and we also are partly to blame as well.
Mr. Speaker, it should be apparent that there are some areas of government activity that lend themselves more readily to the application of Inuit Societal Values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit than others.
For example, the policies, laws, programs and services that directly impact families must be developed with Inuit Societal Values and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit as their foundation.
On the other hand, for example, the process by which the government applies accounting rules in the calculation of amortization of capital assets is a different matter altogether.
Mr. Speaker, the issues of language and justice can be especially challenging. When it comes to preserving, protecting, and strengthening the Inuit language, we must carefully consider whether the best approach is a focus on translating the vast amount of documentation produced by government, or whether to work more on ensuring that services are delivered in the language of our constituents and enhancing the presence of the language in our schools.
Traditional concepts and ways of administering justice are not always in harmony with today’s system. In addressing this gap, we must take into account the nature of our federal state, and the different spheres of jurisdiction of each level of government.
Mr. Speaker, we know that the government has established “IQ Committees” and has hired “IQ Coordinators.” In some respects, this is a very bureaucratic approach.
Later today, at the appropriate time, I will have some questions concerning how the government is utilizing such entities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
>>Applause
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Akulliq, Mr. Ningark.
Member’s Statement 433 – 3(3): Support for Small Business (Ningark)

Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday I rose in this House to address the issue of help for homeowners.
Today, I rise to address the importance of support for small business. Mr. Speaker, I believe that a key element of our economic development strategy must include effective support for Nunavummiut who want to start small businesses.
Mr. Speaker, a number of my constituents have told me that they are interested in starting small businesses. Sometimes, they do not get assistance.
Mr. Speaker, I applaud the energy and entrepreneurial spirit of such people.
Mr. Speaker, our government’s Department of Economic Development and Transportation does provide a number of programs and services to help businesses get off the ground.
(interpretation ends) These programs include the Small Business Opportunities Fund, the Entrepreneur Development Fund and the Sustainable Livelihood Fund.
The department also provides support for prospectors and outfitters.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that there is a significant amount of written information available from the government concerning its programs.
If there is one thing that we do not have a shortage of, Mr. Speaker, is paper.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There being none, please proceed, Mr. Ningark.
Mr. Ningark: Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleagues.
I believe that it’s important for the government to work closely with local community economic development officers to ensure that people in smaller communities have someone with whom they can talk face-to-face in order to obtain information and find answers to their questions.
I think that we can also look at how our new GLOs can play a role in providing information concerning these kinds of programs.
Mr. Speaker, every successful business that is started in Nunavut means one more person who is providing for their family and community.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage the government to ensure that its good programs are well understood and accessible to all of our residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

>>Applause
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Taptuna.
Member’s Statement 434 – 3(3): Red Pedersen – Kugluktuk Recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, Kuglukturmiut. I rise today to give tribute to a man who has recently been awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Red Pedersen first arrived in Kugluktuk in 1953 as a fur trade apprentice for the Hudson Bay Company. He served for eight years before moving on to Cape Dorset to work with the late James Houston and also with Terry Ryan at the West Baffin Co-Op to set up the retail store.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Pedersen then travelled and was posted in various communities and the Northwest Territories for a number of years working as a government employee, and was responsible for setting up the first education, health and recreation committees in the Kitikmeot region. He also set up the first resident’s association, which was the forerunner of local governments.
Mr. Speaker, Red Pedersen served in the first elected Kugluktuk Settlement Council in 1970, and served on that council for many years, including in the role of mayor. He was also active in the area of Canadian Rangers, of which he served for over 35 years. He was also awarded the Boy Scout Leader Medal for good service and was instrumental in getting the community of Kugluktuk an arena and a curling rink that is used by the community today.
Mr. Speaker, Red Pedersen helped this community moved to the hamlet status from a settlement/village status, and in 1983, Mr. Pedersen was elected into the Northwest Territories Legislature for Kitikmeot West and served in that capacity for two terms, serving the legislature both as a cabinet minister and as Speaker of the House.
As you can see, over the years Mr. Pedersen has been busy helping the people of the Kitikmeot and the residents of Kugluktuk, and has earned the respect of people that live there.
So when the diamond mines began the construction and production phase, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association appointed him to represent them on an independent environmental monitoring agency board, in which the board immediately elected him as the chairperson, and he served in that capacity for eight years.
Mr. Speaker, he was made an honorary member of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, and is the first and only non-beneficiary to be so honoured.
Mr. Pedersen has four children, 25 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren, and still lives in Kugluktuk full time.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his dedication and the help he has provided to the residents of Kugluktuk and the Kitikmeot people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
>>Applause
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Taptuna. Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. Elliott.
Member’s Statement 435 – 3(3): Application Process for Social Insurance Numbers (Elliott)
Mr. Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to again address the issue of the application process for social insurance numbers.
Mr. Speaker, earlier today, our ever-vigilant local news media published a copy of correspondence that was sent yesterday by our Member of Parliament to all Members of the Legislative Assembly. I have now received this letter in both Inuktitut and English, and I will be tabling copies of it at the appropriate time.
Mr. Speaker, I will also ensure that it is distributed throughout the three communities of the High Arctic that I represent.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, concerns were originally brought to my attention by constituents regarding the process by which Nunavummiut are required to apply for social insurance numbers.
I would note that this issue was also recently raised in both the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories and the House of Commons. I would also express my appreciation to the Premier for having written directly to Ottawa on this matter.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, information on Service Canada’s website has indicated that applications “must be processed in person at a Service Canada Centre.” Given that there are only three Service Canada Centres in Nunavut, this was, understandably, a cause for concern to the residents of Nunavut’s twenty-two other communities.
Mr. Speaker, Minister Aglukkaq’s letter indicates that “special measures are in place to accommodate clients who cannot go in person to a Service Canada Centre. These measures include submitting applications via Service Canada Outreach services, requesting a third party to submit the application on their behalf, and sending the application via mail to a local Service Canada Centre.”
Mr. Speaker, this is excellent news. I very much encourage Service Canada to update its website to provide clear information for Nunavummiut who cannot access Service Canada’s facilities in person, and I encourage Service Canada’s headquarters to ensure that their hard-working local staff in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay receive updated information that they can provide to residents.
Mr. Speaker, I want to conclude by stating that this experience shows what we can achieve by working together. In this case, many of us heard legitimate concerns from our constituents which needed to be brought to light. Decision-makers in Iqaluit and Ottawa took action to address the situation, which is exactly why we are here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

>>Applause